We're Big Kids Now!!

Well, Caleb and Emma are 13 months now! They are such little people...they just make us laugh all the time! They both have such strong personalities! We definitely know that Emma is as stubborn as her mommy and just as ornery. Little Caleb man is so much like Rick with his tender heart and belly laughs.

Some new things in the last couple weeks:

* The biggest is that Caleb is finally starting to walk...all by himself! YAHOO!!! Eight steps on his own yesterday at one try. There was more but that was the biggest amount all together!
* Emma is still running like a crazy lady and is now trying to climb like a monkey all over everything! Caleb climbs too, but only if Emma does it first! Can you tell who the leader is?
* Caleb is trying to say, "Bye-Bye", "Hi Ryan", and says "Mama" and "Dada" referring to Rick and I. He talks (babbles) almost all the time! He is going to talk for Emma a lot I think...at least to other people!
* Emma is blowing lots more kisses
* Emma is wanting to read more books and snuggle while we read them to her
* Caleb is singing along with the TV and radio now...or trying anyway! HaHa!
* The solid big people food is becoming more and more...apples are a new favorite! :) Along with french fries...HaHa!

I need to post more pics! Hopefully I will have time this weekend!

I have an ear infection, which I am trying to figure out how I got that. So that has made my last couple of days just SUPER...did you pick up on that sarcasm?! Ha!

What Will It Cost?

There are two things about me that you might not know. The first is that I am an independent thinker. I don't like people telling me how to think or feel or even what to do. Anyone who knows me fairly well, knows this about me. Some may call this stubborn, yes I am, but that is Katie...take it or leave it. The second is that I am non-confrontational. I don't like to discuss my feelings or argue with people. I don't mind speaking my mind, but I worry too much if I am going to offend people or hurt someones feelings. It is important to not want to hurt people. It is a good idea to think before opening your mouth so you don't offend someone. But there comes a time when you have to take a stand. So I am taking mine.

Our nation has had a big change in 2009 already. I do not hide the fact that I am not a big fan of our new president. Don't get me wrong, I am very thrilled that history was made with the first African American taking office. It is history in my time and in my children's time. That is wonderful! I love history and love to see it made! That is not the issue. The issue is that I don't agree with most of President Obama's political stands and choices he is making for our country.

Although, I am not a fan of the President, he is our president. So I will always show respect for him as a person and as the leader of this nation. Besides, he is also our sons' boss, so I hope that is decisions never harm our men and women that are serving our nation!

A good friend of mine from work, found an editorial online a couple days ago and printed it off to share with me. I found the editorial very interesting. It is about part of the reason I disagree with our president. I wanted to share it for those who care to read it. I am not trying to change any ones mind, I am just expressing something that I feel strongly about.

An editorial to the 'Richmond Times Dispatch' by Manuel Alverez Jr.

(Published July 7th, 2008)

Each year I get to celebrate Independence day twice. On June 30th, I celebrate my independence day and on July 4th, I celebrate America's independence.

This year is very special to me because I get to celebrate my 40th year of independence!

On June 30th, 1968, I escaped communist Cuba and a few months later, I was in the United States to stay! That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving day is just part of the story...

But I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election year has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there.

In the late 1950's, most Cubans thought that Cuba needed change, and they were right. So when a young leader came long, every Cuban was at least receptive. When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring back free medical care and education to all everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said, "praise the Lord" and when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I will bring you change", everyone yelled "viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change.

So...

• By the time the executioners guns went silent, the people's guns had been taken away.
• By the time everyone was equal they were equally poor, hungry and oppressed.
• By the time everyone received their free education, it was worth nothing.
• By the time the press noticed, it was too late because they were not working for him.
• By the time the change was finally implemented, Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to a third-world status.
• By the time the change was over, more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore to anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans.

And now I'm back to the beginning of my story. I hope that you will pay attention. Luckily, we would never in America, fall for a young leader who promised change without asking:

• What change?
• How will you carry it out?
• What will it cost America?

Would we?

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the rich out of freedom. What one person received without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does not good to work because somebody else is going to get what they worked for, that my dear friend is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply the wealthy by dividing it." ~ Dr. Adrian Rogers (1931-2005)

I am praying for our nation, the people of our nation and the leaders of our nation. This country was founded on our rights and freedom. The men that fought for America would be ashamed of the path that some who live in the country are wanting to take. I personally feel that if you don't like or appreciate your rights and freedom, then pack up your junk and move some where else! I agree that there are things that need to change in this country. But I don't agree with lessening our Christian standards and morals on which this nation was build to please the ones that are unhappy.

Don't tell me that abortion is okay at point A but not a point B...it is not okay at anytime! It is a life! All life is precious, and I have 2 beautiful babies to prove that.

Don't tell me that taking away our right to bear arms is going to lessen gun crime! People that want the guns for crimes will find away! I don't care for guns myself, but if people want a gun in their home to protect themselves, their families and their property, then by all means let them have a gun! And what did I hear, they want to take away our guns and less our military support?! Excuse me! Sounds just a tad fishy to me.

I could go on and on about the things that I disagree with, but I will spare you. I love my country. I am proud to live here and work hard like I was taught. I am proud to be a Christian and will never be sorry for that. I will speak up when I don't agree with something that is happening to our nation if I feel like it will hinder us. I will hold my head high knowing that our son, Ryan, has dedicated himself to the freedoms that so many of enjoy and are thankful for. And for Ryan's sake, I will be an encourager even when times are scary. Am I worried about Ryan? Yep. Am I worried about what this nation will face? Darn right. I will have faith and trust. After all God will take care of His people.